The Baseball Thread

"Ramirez missed the White House reception for the Red Sox 2007 World Series championship. President George W. Bush quipped: "I'm sorry [Ortiz'] running mate, Manny Ramirez, isn't here. I guess his grandmother died again. Just kidding. Tell Manny I didn't mean it."

Red Sox have just placed Josh Beckett on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation. RHP Clayton Mortensen was recalled from Triple A.

Yankees temporarily in a good spot, I am not breathing easy as this often is the first sign of their collapse.

i've been enjoying Glovegate this week -- davey johnson vs joe maddon sniping at each other,
and now peralta (the perp) has to sit for 8 games...

Peralta made the mistake of getting caught by his former teammates. I heard and interviewer (ball player) say that about 75% use pine tar at one time or another. Many pitchers use the same dark glove so it doesn't show up so easily.

If Peralta let his former Nationals teammates in on his little secret, and then went to the mound against those same teammates with his glove loaded up, he deserves everything he gets. Really, how stupid can he be?

Oh, and I loved his excuse: "It was a batting practice glove." Seems to me I've heard that one before, only it was a batting-practice bat that was the culprit. I think MLB needs to crack down on batting practice.

maddon has always come across as a level-headed dude.
but i've got a serious problem with this --

so, precisely which rules should the players decide they are going to ignore?

I have a far bigger problem with the issue of plunking a player with a pitched fastball. It's one thing to plunk them in the ass and a whole other thing to go head-hunting. To me, that goes far beyond letting the players police themselves. IMHO, that just isn't working.

Those of you who may recall incidents like Red Sawx's Tony C'(Conigliaro) plunking in the eye and the resultant pictures of the physical damage.

I hafta say, I was never a big Jeff Francoeur fan, and I grumbled when the Royals acquired him, but...

It's getting hard not to like the guy.

here's his latest highlight...

"Jeff Francoeur's interactions with fans have become legendary. Whether he's sending 20 pizzas to A's fans in Oakland or throwing $100 of beer money into the Kauffman Stadium stands, the Kansas City Royals right fielder has made plenty of friends around the league.

Francoeur is oft-cited as a ballplayer who "gets it" and what's cool is that he realizes he doesn't always have to engage in stunts to leave an impact on those who pay to see him. Sometimes all it takes is a simple smile and a few seconds of your time.

For a great example, check out this heart-melting picture and message that a mother posted on Facebook after taking her family to see the Royals at Minute Maid Park earlier this week.

Dear Jeff Francoeur,

Just last night my husband, daughter and 7 year old son attended the Royals vs Astros game here in Houston. My husband was born and raised in KC and our family lived there for 5 years before we were transferred to Houston.

Last year my son was diagnosed with Autism. Going to large stadiums that are really loud are out of my sons comfort zone, we told him we were going to see the KC Royals and he was instantly excited.

We made sure to get to the game early so that we could find our seats before the stadium filled up. We were lucky enough to get to the stadium while the Royals were having their batting practice.

My husband told our son that he should call you over and that you may autograph his cap for him. As my son yelled with hope in his voice, you came jogging over to us. My son was so excited when he saw you coming over that he fell while trying to climb over the seats to the front row. It is rare that we see our son get excited over anything to do with sports as Autistic children tend to be more interested in books, and computers rather than sports.

Our son stared up at you with tears in his eyes, you took the time to coddle him, ask his name and make him feel special.

We just wanted to say thank you for not only taking the time to come over to see our son, but for signing his hat, and posing for a picture with him. It is truly a day that our son will never forget. You are a true role model, this was a day our family will always remember.

Well, that was just awesome. Since publicly posting her thanks on Wednesday, Tammy Blanchard Robertson's message has received almost 500 likes and 60 shares. And though we know that Frenchy doesn't do these types of things for publicity or praise, this special moment deserves an even bigger audience. There's no way to look at that photo or letter and not be reminded that we all have the ability to brighten someone's day.

Great job, Jeff Francoeur.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/jeff-francoeur-shares-special-moment-autistic-child-163030323--mlb.html

pop quiz...


what's wrong with this pitcher?

Yankees are kicking Boston's ass?

Central division is all below the winning percentage of the (Red Sox) last place record of the Eastern div. Oh yes...and Yankees are kicking Sawx asses.

The season is still relatively young and subject to change. The Yankees doing well at this time of the season doesn't mean that we will hold the lead throughout. Often times meltdown 1 occurs after the All Star break. Meltdown 2 which is far worse is usually a late August to mid September horror. Just as they were on a winning streak they can easily go in the other direction. My contentment is never fully realized until the World Series has concluded.

I typically wait 'til after Labor Day when injuries take their toll before I get excited about where my team's position in the race. However, last year's Sawx cured me of that habit for good.

Speaking of Sox, both red and white, I was wondering how you and others are handling the trade of Youkilis. It seems to me it was a bad move (at least if you're a Red Sox fan).

Not happy but I look to the cause being Valentine. I look at Bobby V. and his overly critical explosion when Youk was injured early in the year. After that, it was a slippery slope. Valentine criticized the wrong man in his quest to make an example. He poisoned the air.

Youk will most likely perform well for Pale Hose should his injuries be totally repaired. He's got 3 or 4 productive years left, most likely. His fielding (third or first base) used to be the best including some incredible fielding records.

Too bad Red Sawx can't get talent like that, huh?

Of course, they had to make room for Middlebrooks and settle their outfield and stop platooning Gonzalez in right field. Middlebrooks is a real HR threat, and a decent enough fielder who needs more seasoning. He has to curb his strikeout rate to make this move balance out for Sawx.

i think the jury's still out on that.
he's an old 33 with a lot of wear n' tear...

Agreed. I was giving him the benefit of the doubt 'cause I like him and what he contributed in the past. I'm not sure how extensive are his injuries or how repairable they are. 33 isn't old, after all, right? It's not like he was a catcher.

Aaron Hill just hit for the cycle the second time this year! Last time for that was 1931!